title: Surgical approach to a vulval-pubic cartilaginous cyst: A case report and review of published work.
abstract: Cartilaginous cyst of symphysis pubis is rare and to our knowledge 12 cases have been reported in the published work. Although cartilaginous cysts of the vulva and pubis are likely to present to a gynecologist as a vulval-pubic mass, their diagnosis and management warrants a multidisciplinary team approach because of their rarity and anatomical location. Non-invasive diagnosis includes magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound scan, while the invasive preoperative biopsy is reserved for cases with a high index of suspicion of malignancy. The surgical approach for the management of vulval-pubic cartilaginous cyst is not well established. The current case demonstrates a joint surgical approach involving a gynecologist and orthopedic surgeon in management of a degenerative cartilaginous cyst. As this condition is benign, every effort should be made to preserve the stability of the pubic symphysis. Symphyseal dysfunction from surgery remains a potential complication for which treatment is not straightforward.
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK. gajjarkb@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ketan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gajjar
authors.forename: Shahin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robati
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Packer
authors.forename: Khalil
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Razvi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: cartilaginous cyst; ganglion-like cyst; pubic symphysis; vaginal mass